What nutrients do watermelons need to grow?

When fertilizing watermelon plants, use nitrogen based fertilizer at the onset. Once the plant begins flowering, however, switch to feeding the watermelon a phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer. Watermelons require ample potassium and phosphorus for optimal melon production.

What is a good fertilizer for watermelons?

For watermelons, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet (60 to 90 feet of row). Make a trench on the planting bed 4 to 6 inches deep and 2 inches from the side of the row. Cover the fertilizer and plant so seeds do not touch the fertilizer.

What do watermelon plants need to thrive?

Instructions

• Make sure the soil is warm. Wait until the soil is consistently 70°F or warmer before planting out your watermelon.
• Remember that watermelon are heavy feeders. Watermelon plants need lots of nutrients. …
• Water thoroughly. …
• Water wisely. …
• Give your plants space. …
• Don’t harvest too early. …
• Rotate your crops.

How often should you fertilize watermelon plants?

Melons do best when treated with small amounts of fertilizer in two or three applications. During the growing season, liquid (soluble) fertilizers may be applied every 2 weeks and granular fertilizers about every 6 to 8 weeks. Since slow-release fertilizers work for months, one application is generally adequate.

What is a natural fertilizer for watermelon?

Watermelons are heavy feeders, so they appreciate well-balanced compost and/or rich, homemade compost. When planting, you can apply small quantities of blood meal, bone meal, and greensand. In addition, you can use seaweed extract; it improves the growth, production, and quality of Watermelon.

Is Epsom salt good for watermelon plants?

For sweeter watermelons and cantaloupes when the plant starts vining and again when small 1-inch melons appear, spray with 6 1/2 tablespoons Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons borax in 5 gallons of water. For more fruit on your pepper plants, fertilize the plant by burying an open one-half pack of book matches near it.

How do you increase watermelon growth?

To maximize the size of the melon, water the plants regularly in deep water sessions that keep the soil moist. Side dress the Watermelon plants with fertilizer prepared for edible crops or fertilizer tea to feed the plants. Fertilizer encourages growth to produce large melons.

How do you maintain a watermelon plant?

Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the vine’s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering once fruit are growing. Dry weather produces the sweetest melon.

Why are my baby watermelons rotting?

When the bottom of watermelon is rotting, the fruit is probably suffering from a fungal infection. There are a few species of fungus that can cause this problem, including Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia and Sclerotium rolfsii.

How do you prepare soil for watermelon?

A gentle, south-facing slope is ideal. Watermelons grow in many kinds of soil, but prefer a light, sandy, fertile loam that drains easily. Add generous amounts of manure, compost and leaves to your garden and work the soil well prior to planting. Melons like lots of water, so keep the soil moist at all times.

Is cow manure good for watermelon?

Cow manure, peanut hulls or cotton gin waste give soil the necessary nutrients for growing watermelons. The soil also needs 10-10-10 or 16-16-8 all-purpose fertilizer. Apply 4 to 6 cups for every 100 feet of row.

Is Borax good for watermelon?

Is your watermelon not sweet enough? When given a mineral boost of boron, watermelon vines produce sweeter fruit. While you can buy commercially prepared boron plant sprays, you can also make your own solution at home. Simply mix a tablespoon of household borax in a gallon of tap water.

What fertilizer has phosphorus and potassium?

Ammonium phosphate is the leading nitrogen-phosphorus product in the fertilizer industry; high analysis, high water solubility, good physical characteristics and low production costs. The most commonly used and most economical potassium fertilizer.

Does borax make watermelon sweeter?

I found a few additional tips. First, you can spray Boron on watermelon vines, Boron is a mineral that helps to sweeten the fruit – you can make it by mixing a tablespoon of household Borax into a gallon of water.

How do you add potassium to soil?

If you wish to add potassium to your soil at home, you can do so in several ways without having to use potash or other commercial potassium fertilizer. Compost made primarily from food byproducts is an excellent source of potassium. In particular, banana peels are very high in potassium.

How do you add magnesium to soil?

How to Add Magnesium to The Soil

1. Amend The Soil with Compost Yearly. This first task needs to be completed each year before you plant your garden. …
2. Add Epsom Salt to the Garden Beds. …
3. Try a Leaf Spray. …
4. Raise the pH Level of Your Soil. …
5. Use Lime as an Amendment. …
6. Use Poultry Manure. …
7. Try Adding Some Soybean Meal.

How do I know if my soil needs magnesium?

Symptoms. Magnesium is highly mobile in the plant and deficiency symptoms first appear on the lower leaves. Symptoms are more severe on the lower leaves because magnesium is moved to the new growth. Deficiency symptoms consist of interveinal chlorosis (leaf veins stay green while the regions between them turn yellow).

What fertilizer is high in magnesium?

Sulfate of Potash Magnesia (K-Mag) 0-0-21.5 (10.5% magnesium) Dolomite (11.8% magnesium) Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)